State University computers drop applicants’ SAT scores

Students applying to the California State University system have a new headache to deal with: A glitch in CSU’s computer system failed to upload SAT scores with many of their applications.

“No applications are being cancelled,” Toni Molle, CSU’s director of public affairs, said Monday.

However, it will be up to students to go through a detailed process to confirm and notify CSU that their SAT scores were properly sent in the first place.

An email from CSU to prospective freshman makes no mention of the computer problem or any error on its part, saying only that “to date we have not received or have been unable to match your official SAT scores to your application.”

Students will not be denied admittance because of “late” SAT scores, Molle said, and all applicants with missing scores are being sent the email.

No delays are expected in sending out acceptance letters this spring, either, she said.

The problem arose after CSU instituted a new application process, allowing prospective students to apply to more than one of CSU’s 23 campuses in a single application.

Application season is a stressful time for high school seniors, whose chances of gaining admittance to state universities are increasingly competitive. Cal State and University of California campuses are generally more affordable for California residents than private universities.

High school counselors are encouraging students to check their online college “portals” to see whether their test scores were missing and follow instructions to have their scores resent.